JONESBORO, Ark. (7/19/13) – Former Arkansas State University men’s basketball standout Brandon Peterson will continue to live his dream of playing basketball as a result of recently signing a contract with a professional team in Sweden.

Peterson, who played at A-State from 2009-13, will now have an opportunity to showcase his skills internationally as the 6-8 forward will suit up for the KFUM Jämtland Basket of Östersund. The Swedish team is a part of the Basketligan League, which is regarded as the country’s top competitive league. Peterson will leave for Sweden in late August with KFUM Jämtland’s upcoming 2013-14 season scheduled to start October 5th.

I'm just thankful for the opportunity to be able to continue to play,” said Peterson. “Many people don't even get the chance to play in college so for me to be able to play professionally is truly a blessing. My four-year experience at Arkansas State was the best with my teammates and coaches. It has prepared me for this moment and I'm looking forward to a long professional basketball career.”

Peterson, a 2012-13 All-Sun Belt Conference (SBC) Second-Team selection, averaged 10.5 points (325 pts.) as a senior for the 2012-13 campaign. The 2012-13 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District 24 Second-Team honoree lead the Red Wolves in rebounding at 9.7 boards per game (301 rebs.) and totaled a squad-high 40 blocked shots. A starter in all 31 ASU contests, Peterson scored double-figures in 20 games for the 2012-13 season with eight outings of 15 points or more. He chalked up 16 double-digit rebounding single-game performances, which included at least 13 boards on six occasions, while playing a team-high 1,028 minutes. Peterson, who earned 2013 SBC All-Tournament Team and SBC Player of the Week (2/18) laurels, produced a squad-best 12 double-doubles for the 2012-13 campaign. He concluded this season ranking 23rd among the final NCAA Division I national statistical leaders in rebounds per game (9.7 rpg.), 33rd in double-doubles (12), and 165th in blocked shots a contest (1.29 bpg.).

Peterson concluded his four years (2009-13) at A-State with career numbers of 1,098 points, 886 rebounds, 163 blocked shots, 134 assists, 75 steals, and 3,676 minutes played as a starter in 113 of 127 games played in. He currently ranks third on the Red Wolves’ career leaders list in blocked shots, sixth in rebounds, and 19th in points. Peterson is among 23 A-State players to claim 500 rebounds and is one of 25 individuals in the program’s history to reach the 1,000-points mark. A native of Birmingham, Ala., Peterson is among 13 players at Arkansas State to have ever scored 1,000 points and grabbed 500 rebounds in a career.

Peterson also etched his name among the Sun Belt Conference’s Top 25 all-time statistical leaders records book, presently ranking ninth in rebounds and 18th in blocked shots.

During his A-State career, Peterson played a key role in leading the Red Wolves to a pair of Sun Belt Conference West Division Championships (2010-11 and 2012-13) under head coach John Brady. This past season, Peterson helped A-State register a 19-12 overall record, which signified the program’s most victories in the last 14 seasons.

"I'm happy for Brandon and wish him all the best," said Brady. "He will do well over there (Sweden). Brandon is a hard-working and tough-minded competitive player, which will benefit him as a professional."